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The Leitrim Design House is dedicated to supporting the creative industries in County Leitrim. As part of our 2009 Business Development Training Leitrim Design House will run a “New Product Development Programme”. The programme begins on April 15th at the Dock in Carrick-on-Shannon.A member-based business development and marketing organisation the Leitrim Design House is dedicated to promoting excellence and economic development in the field of contemporary art, craft and design. The Leitrim Design House provides a strong support system for artists, designers and craft workers based in Leitrim and is a very clear example of how the talents of local people can be turned into a viable enterprise.The “New Product Development Programme” will enable designers and makers to develop new suites of products or additions to existing ranges. It will help those working in creative business to determine what it is they really want to achieve from their own business. In these challenging economic times all businesses are looking at creative ways to develop and grow.The programme is suitable for people from a wide range of disciplines including fashion, art, home wares, traditional and contemporary craft, photography, print & publishing and any organisation or individual wishing to develop, brand and promote a product or service.Led by Eddie Shanahan this practical programme will address key issues from market research and consumer trends, sources of inspiration and competitor analysis. From research through to development it will cover crucial topics such as introduction to marketplace and promotion, market structure and strategy.

All aspects of developing your “own” creative business will be dealt with from marketing and design to range development, protecting intellectual property, brand development and presentation to market.Eddie Shanahan works with a host of leading Irish and international companies and individuals and is one of Ireland’s leading experts on fashion, lifestyle and retail. He is a business consultant to several leading Irish design companies including Louise Kennedy, The Kilkenny group, Enterprise Ireland and Dunne’s stores.His practical advise and guidance means this programme will be very hands on – working with real product created by individual designers .Participants will be supported and encouraged through a group dynamic and they will have the opportunity to learn from the experience of others as the programme progresses.

Delving into influences on contemporary lifestyle and how it assesses design, value and service participants will explore the emotional / rational dichotomy of selling.The programme will define the characteristics of strong brands and assist participants in leveraging the power of their brands as a launch pad for new products.The programme starts on the 15th of April and will run one day per month from 10.30 to 4pm on May 13th, June 10th and July 15th. The programme fee is €200.00 per person. For a booking form or further information contact Anna-Marie or Geraldine at the Leitrim Design House on 071 96 50533 or email info@leitrimdesignhouse.ieThe Leitrim Design House supports local creative industries and helps conserve the cultural identity of County Leitrim.